Jose Altuve ascended the steps of the third-base dugout, turned left prior to the infield dirt and continued onto a swath of outfield grass, bound for a new position and perhaps the next chapter of a storied career.

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Astros, Rockets, Texans and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.

Career second baseman Jose Altuve will make his spring training debut on Friday, and he'll do it in left field, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters on Wednesday. Following the trade of All-Star Kyle Tucker,